Unusual Swiss 18K gold keyless lever Ricochet watch Circa 1963

Gold open faced pocket watch
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A fine, unusual Swiss 18 carat gold open faced carré galbé (curved square) keyless lever Ricochet dress watch designed by Gilbert Albert for Patek Philippe in Geneva,
circa 1963. Sold on February 28th, 1964. The rhodium plated movement with Geneva striping decoration, stamped twice with the Seal of the Geneva quality mark, 18 jewels, a straight line lever escapement, Gyromax balance adjusted for heat, cold, isochronism and five positions, shock resistant and a self compensating Breguet balance spring. Entirely bark finished gold dial continuing the case decoration with applied baton hour indexes and original black hands. The solid case is partially polished on the back, band and bezel, partially textured in a bark effect pattern on the front and back, and has a trapezoidal fixed pendant. Dial and movement signed, case signed and numbered. Accompanied by the original presentation box and an Extract from the Archives.
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Dimensions: 41 x 36 mm
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Signed: Patek Philippe Genève
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Gilbert Albert, born September 20, 1930, is a renowned Genevan jewellery designer and artist.
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In 1955, he began designing wristwatch cases for Patek Philippe. Breaking away from traditional shapes, he introduced asymmetrical triangles and rhombic forms inspired by his passion for modern sculpture and works by artists such as Brancusi and Mondrian.
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Albert gave textured organic surfaces to the asymmetrical shapes of the Patek Philippe ‘Ricochet’ collection. However, many of his more revolutionary designs remained prototypes and were not produced in series.
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In 1962, he established his own workshop, designing and producing jewellery under his own name. Over the years, he became very successful, both in Geneva and internationally, receiving numerous awards for his jewellery. Gilbert Albert’s creations are exhibited worldwide.